Jack T. Phillips

Published: Friday, September 26, 2008

Jack Talbert Phillips was born on January 1, 1923, at home in a small community near the town of Royston, to Green Barry and Lillie (Talbert) Phillips. He passed away on September 25, 2008, at his home.

Celebration of Life services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel with Rev. Danny Lucas officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Jack graduated from Hitson High School in 1941. Jack and Willie Vance were married on December 10, 1942 in Noodle. Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army on January 20, 1943 and served his country for almost three years. He was a combat veteran serving in Germany. He was promoted to the rank of Private First Class and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal and Ribbon with two bronze stars, two Army Good Conduct Medals indicated by two bronze knots, the Army Occupation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, marksman badge, rifle qualification bar, pistol bar, submachine gun bar, and an aviator badge. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. After World War II, Jack returned to Lubbock and became a carpenter by trade. He worked for Texas Tech, building the student buildings and for Furr's Inc., building all their grocery stores all over the Southwest. He retired at the age of 60 due to health reasons. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, but most of all spending time with his family. He was active in the Carpenter's Union and the Democratic Party. He was a member of Broadview Baptist Church.

Jack is survived by his wife, Willie Phillips of Lubbock; two daughters, Beverly Holbert of San Angelo and Diana Hill of Lubbock; three grandchildren, Leann Criswell of San Angelo, Craig Holbert of Hutto, and Cy Hill of Lubbock; seven great-grandchildren, Anisley and Brenley Criswell; Michael, Jake, and Jessie Holbert; and Carson and Brantley Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters.

Please join us in celebrating Jack's life by visiting his memorial at www.mem.com.